TWO thugs who shot a man in Neston have been jailed for a total of 30 years.

John Haase and Daniel Lafferty attacked their victim at the Lady Hamilton pub last year.

At Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, the pair were convicted of several offences.

Haase, 48, from Maghull, was found guilty of two charges of wounding with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to en-danger life and possession of a firearm likely to cause a fear of violence. He was jailed for 16 years.

Lafferty, 42, also from Maghull, was jailed for 14 years, having pleaded guilty to kidnapping and two charges of wounding with intent. He was involved in a kidnapping in Durham separate from the Neston shooting.

Police were called to the Lady Hamilton on Saturday, March 29, 2003 after a report of a shooting.

The 34-year-old victim had been drinking there that evening. He was attacked inside, then taken outside and shot in the thigh.

This was witnessed by off-duty Merseyside Police officer Detective Constable Peter McAloon. But when he tried to intervene, he had the gun pointed at him twice.

DC McAloon went on to secure evidence at the scene, which proved invaluable to the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Price, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: 'This has been a lengthy investigation into what was a vicious and apparently unprovoked offence in an otherwise peaceful neighbourhood.

'There was great concern in the community at the time and I'm very pleased with the outcome.

'There has been excellent police work here from the beginning and I thank the officers involved for their professional approach.'

He also praised DC McAloon for the 'outstanding' way he conducted himself under extreme pressure.

DC McAloon was also praised by the sentencing judge for his bravery and professionalism.